Woodbury Court worker retires after 16 years service

A long term employee of Laindon care home, Woodbury Court, receives an emotional send off with best wishes as he embarks on his retirement years.

Working at the home as the maintenance person since it opened 16 years ago, Bill Hilliker, who is now in his 80’s, has enthusiastically and skilfully tended to the upkeep of the 101 bedded, purpose built residential care home and was definitely a firm, and much loved, fixture in the home; part of the furniture!

Whether it be renovation work, a lick of paint here and there, looking after the gardens, or helping residents make their bedrooms just how they’d like them, Bill was an extremely valuable, go-to member of the team, well-liked by the residents and his colleagues alike.

Home Manager, Mel Oliver, speaks fondly of Bill; "Bill has worked since the age of 14 and we are so grateful he’s spent the last 16 years working here. It’s been a real pleasure having Bill in the team with us. The residents and staff have got to know Bill very well, and nothing was too much trouble at any time of day or night. He always showed such compassion and dedication in everything that he did, he will be missed by us all."

The team at Woodbury Court presented Bill with a card, flowers and gifts as a farewell gesture. Pictured here in the middle wearing a pink shirt, social distancing alongside his team members, Bill’s departure was captured during such a memorable time in history.

Runwood Homes, who operates Woodbury Court, wishes Bill and his wife Lynn many happy years enjoying retired life together, and when lockdown is lifted, Bill and his family are invited back to Woodbury Court for a celebratory party in the garden as a thank you for this hard work and dedication to the home over the years.

Bill (middle left in pink shirt) stands next to Woodbury Court’s Manager, Mel Oliver (on his right) and his fellow colleagues during retirement farewell.